 | | | Rick Schafer in his office on School Street Photo Sophie Braccini
| | | | | | Rick Schafer, who has served the Moraga School District as Superintendent of Schools for ten years, will retire in June, 2010. "I've been in education for 34 years," says Schafer. "It is time now for me and my wife to enter a new phase in our lives, closer to our children and grandchildren."
School Board President Dexter Louie was on the Board that recruited Schafer. "I was President of the Moraga School Board when Rick came on board, after a series of five short-term superintendents," says Louie. "Over the years, Rick has demonstrated great skills as a superintendent, an education leader, and a community leader."
Schafer feels confident about the future of the District, with the budget situation under control, despite cuts that had to be made. "We have made reductions, and more will be needed," says Schafer, "but we will be able to continue to service our children."
Dexter Louie concurs, "When Rick arrived, the school district was in a 'qualified' financial status, meaning our finances were quite marginal. Today, even with the current economic crisis and cuts to education funding, our school district is in a good financial situation."
According to Schafer the next Superintendent will find a great team to work with. For Louie, that's the result of good management. "Rick has built a strong administrative/management team and an efficient and effective district office," states the Board President. "He has worked with teachers, staff, and parents to help students become lifelong learners and to make the district a 'high performing district' - one of the best in the state."
Schafer will leave many friends in Moraga.
"I've gotten to know Rick both in his role as Superintendent of the Moraga Schools and as a Kiwanian," says Moraga Town Council Member Mike Metcalf. "He's one of the most no-nonsense people I've ever worked with. He cuts right to the chase and has no problem telling you exactly what he thinks. Rick joined Kiwanis in 2001 and has become one of the more enjoyable and productive members. Rick will be a tough guy to replace, both in the school district and in Kiwanis."
Schafer plans to move to Oregan, and says he will probably seek volunteer opportunities: "I hope to volunteer as a classroom aid. I enjoy teaching."
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA